Ants in the kitchen can be a real trouble. This tiny creature can quickly find their way into your home, especially if there’s foods around. If you’re wondering how to get rid of ants in kitchen, this guide will provide you with practical and effective solutions. From identifying the source of the problem to eliminating ants and preventing their return, you’ll learn everything you need to know in simple, easy-to-follow steps.
Effective Ways to Get Rid of Ants
Some common house-using products may help you get rid of ants, such as white vinegar, Borax, black and red pepper, essential oils and coffee dregs. These certain items may not be safe to use around the pets or children.
According to the scientific study, there are more than 10,000 species of ants around the world. The huge majority of these ants are harmful for the help of the people. The ants carry bacteria, making them potential transmitters of diseases and infection. For example, in 2019 study of tiny animal showed that Monomorium ants carry pathogenic bacteria, which can be dangerous for the health of the people.
Keep reading to learn about get rid of ants safely.
1. Find the source of ants
Before get rid of ants, it’s important to find out where they are coming from. Ants usually enter your kitchen in search of food. They often follow a row that leads from their colony which could be inside or outside from their home or kitchen. Here’s how to find the source:
- Follow the row: Look for the line of ants moving in and out of your kitchen. If you follow the you could be able to find the row of ants where they are coming from. They might be sneaking in through a tiny wall crack, an open window, or a small gap beneath the door.
- Check the common entry points: Ants often come in through under the doors, a window or cracks in the wall. Check these areas carefully to see if you can see spot where they are getting in.
2. Clean the kitchen and seal the food containers
Ants are attracted to food, so the first step is to clean your kitchen completely. Wipe down all countertops, tables and other surfaces where food could have been spilled. Make sure to clean up anything and floor as well. Ants are drawn to food, so store all food items in clean containers. This include like sugar, cereal, bread and all type of snacks. If you pet food in the kitchen, make sure it’s stored in the seal container as well.
3. Block entry points
Use cement to seal any crack or gap in your walls, windows and doors where ants could be getting in. Pay some attention these areas around the pipes, as ants can also come in through these openings.
4. Use Borax
Borax (Sodium tetraborate) is a white powdery substance. It is often use to clean the products or insects repellent.
To use borax follow these steps:
- Wear safety gloves
- Make a solution of 1/2 teaspoon borax, 6 teaspoon sugar and one cup hot water.
- Stir thoroughly until the sugar and borax have completely dissolved.
- Soak cotton balls in the solution and placed them around your home in areas where you commonly see ants.
It’s vital important to keeps borax away from children and pets as it may be harmful.
5. Sprinkle ground black or red pepper
Ground Red or Black pepper is a natural ant deterrent, as the insects may find the irritating smell. Sprinkle pepper where the ant comes or behind the household appliances.
6. Try Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has been shown to effectively kill flies, which may show it could be an effective an ant deterrent.
- Combine 5 to 6 drops of tea tree essential oil with 2 cups of water in a fresh plastic spray bottle.
- Spray the mixture around the house where you see ants. On the other hand, you can soak cotton balls in the mixture and place them around your home and kitchen.
If the scent of the mixture is too strong, try to make the mixture of tea tree oil, peppermint oil and water. As with many essential oils, it’s important to store tea tree oil safely away from pets. You can buy tea tree oil at any local grocery store, health food store and online. It’s easily available all places.
7. White vinegar
White vinegar is also effective to kill the ants. It is available all grocery stores. It is a cheap or effective way to kill the ants. It’s also a natural cleaning agent. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water (1 tablespoon each) to clean hard surfaces like floors, windows, and countertops, which are common paths for ants. If you see the ants, spray the mixture on them or wipe them with a paper tissue.
8. Boil water
Boiling water method will effectively and immediately, kill many ants in minutes. If you notice any holes in your home, fill the hole with boiling water.
Conclusion
Dealing with ants in the kitchen can frustrating, but by following these steps, you can get rid of them and keep them from coming back. Start by finding where the ants are coming from first clean up and then remove. Block entry points to see ants from coming and use above mention products to eliminate ants. If you follow these steps you can keep your kitchen ant-free and enjoy a clean, pest free kitchen and home.
